By Jenny Quigley-Stickney MSN, RN. MHA, MA, CCM,ACM-RN, CMAC, CPHM, FCM
Did you know that August is Chronic Disease Management Month? While chronic disease management has been in the national spotlight recently through the Make America Healthy Again initiative, for case managers, this isn't a new conversation—it's what we do every day.
Think about your own role. Whether you're coordinating a safe discharge from the hospital, working to prevent avoidable readmissions, or supporting patients through a disease management program, chances are you're helping someone navigate a chronic condition.
Case managers care for individuals living with a wide range of chronic illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), and many others. Every patient has a unique story, and every care plan requires thoughtful coordination, education, advocacy, and collaboration.
One of the greatest strengths of case management is our team-based approach. Registered nurse, social work, and rehabilitation case managers each bring valuable expertise to the table, working together with patients, families, caregivers, providers, and community partners to create personalized plans of care. Our goal isn't simply to manage a diagnosis—it's to help people live as well as possible despite the challenges of chronic disease.
Of course, chronic disease management doesn't end when a patient leaves the hospital. In many ways, that's when the real work begins. Long-term success depends on smooth care transitions, patient engagement, self-management education, access to community resources, and ongoing support across the continuum of care.
As we recognize Chronic Disease Management Month, it's also an opportunity to reflect on the incredible difference case managers make every day. Through compassion, collaboration, and whole-person care, we help patients navigate complex healthcare systems, overcome barriers, and build healthier futures.
So, this month, take a moment to celebrate the work you and your colleagues do. Every phone call, care conference, patient education session, and coordinated transition contributes to something bigger—helping people manage chronic conditions with confidence, dignity, and hope. That's the power of case management.
Bio: Jenny Quigley-Stickney, RN, MSN, MHA, MA, CCM, ACM-RN, CPHM, FCM, is a professional case manager with Cape Cod Healthcare and currently serves as CMSA National President (2026–2028). An active CMSA and CMSNE leader for more than 25 years, she previously served as CMSA Treasurer, a member of the CMSA Board of Directors, President of CMSNE, and Chair of multiple public policy committees. Jenny is passionate about advancing professional case management through advocacy, leadership, and education. Her clinical background spans more than 25 years across acute rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and acute care, with a current focus on vascular and trauma case management.